VCU Sports Content Director Hits a Home Run

Engulfed by the thunderous roars of the crowd on television and the dazzling lights illuminating the stadium of his beloved New York Giants, a six-year old boy from Austintown, OH dreamt of the day he could be a part of it all and become a professional sports writer.

Ever since that night, Chris Kowalczyk realized his passion for sports and knew he wanted to pursue a career in journalism. After graduating from high school, Kowalczyk attended Ohio University, where he received a B.A. degree in Broadcast Journalism from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism in 2000.

Shortly thereafter, he spent several years working as a reporter for the Daily Feature Service, a subsidiary of the Newark-Star Ledger, in which he covered an array of high school and small college athletics in the central NJ area. After displaying a unique writing ability, in which he provided both humorous commentary and strong insight into the world of sports, Kowalczyk was recognized for his efforts and offered a position as the Director of Creative Content for the men’s and women’s basketball programs at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2005.

Now at age 33, Kowalczyk has entered his 6th year at VCU, where he has been a driving force in the publishing and distribution of athletic-based media content throughout the Richmond area. His online blog, entitled “Around the Horns”, provides Rams fans with the opportunity to view player profiles and statistics, as well as provides audio and visual links to offseason conditioning sessions, interviews with coaches and players, and exciting game recaps and highlights. In addition to covering the VCU basketball program, Kowalczyk also writes feature pieces and game summaries for the women’s soccer and field hockey teams. Ultimately, his infatuation with writing about sports continues to drive him forward into the future. He hopes to build on the success that he’s had thus far and perpetuate himself further into the competitive world of sports journalism.

“It’s been a long, arduous road that’s definitely seen its fair share of ups and downs, but when you’re as passionate as I am about every detail of sports coverage, it’s easier to overcome some of those bumps in the road and move forward…It’s crucial to seize every opportunity in this field of writing due to the competitive nature of the business, but if you love it enough nothing will stop you from reaching your dream,” said Kowalczyk.

Both players and coaches alike at VCU have praised Kowalczyk’s determination and drive in becoming one of the most outspoken and knowledgeable sports writers in school history. “He [Konawalczyk] possesses an innate ability to interact with our players and coaching staff on a level we have not seen here at VCU. His stories are accurate as well as entertaining, and he does a tremendous job in exemplifying an objective perspective in his writing. Everyone who’s met Chris knows what he’s capable of and we greatly appreciate his commitment to the university’s athletic programs,” said VCU Athletic Director, Norwood Teague.

After contributing over 150 pieces in the sports infused VCU magazine, The Ram-Report, and a widely viewed and elaborate online blog, Kowalczyk has gone from a boy with a dream to a man who has realized the fruits of his labor.

“No reporter has ever been so honest and straightforward with me. It’s as if he almost puts himself in my shoes and is seeing the world through my eyes. I commend his passion and hope that he [Kowalczyk] continues to remain loyal to the Ram family,” said Jr. Women’s basketball player, Robyn Hobson.

With over a decade of experience in writing and reporting about numerous sports, Kowalczyk is someone that any aspiring sports journalist could look to for inspiration and guidance. He personifies the character and integrity that is necessary to become a successful journalist and retains a modest and humble personality while doing so. We are extremely fortunate to have such a dignified writer and individual covering our athletic teams and hope that he continues to epitomize that Ram spirit for years to come.